University of Wales, Lampeter - Philosophy Program

After a TON of research and correspondence with institutions in the UK and Australia, I have finally decided to begin studies with the University of Wales, Lampeter's Philosophy department. My ultimate goal is to get a PhD in philosophy, but I don't have a strong enough formal background in Philosophy to directly enroll in an MPhil or PhD program.

As such, I'm going to begin studies in their MA in Philosophical studies program, and if my progress shows promise, I will be permited to petition for admission to their MPhil program. That will be the first step towards that coveted Philosophy PhD...moreover shooting towards that goal helps lessen the sting of studying for a second master's - even though I know the extra study will help me do better philosophy.

Of course, this is all predicated upon them admitting me. Please wish me luck in that regard!

 

I wish you good luck!

I've dreamed about applying to Lampeter's MA in Philosophical Studies program after getting a Bachelor's degree in Theology, so this is of special interest to me. If you get accepted, please keep us informed on your progress.

 

Okay... consider it done...

Good luck... in all regards!

 

You've done your homework well. The Lampeter program is one of a very few of its type. They have a number of attractive programs at Lampeter and I hope you'll keep us informed.
Congratulations and good luck.
Jack

 

Agreed. Lampter also offers a BA and MA in Anthropology (with specializations) online. Very intruiging!


- Tom

 

UWL

Thanks for the kind words, everyone.

UWL seems to be almost too good to be true. I will let you know what happens.

Are there any current UWL students on board here? Care to share your experiences?

 

Is it not true that the MPhil is an alternative to the PhD rather than a stepping stone? Normal to switch over to the PhD track before (and without) receiving the MPhil. I believe that it would be unusual for the same student to hold both the MPhil and the PhD from the same department. I could, of course, be wrong . . .

 

Yes, it's true

From what I've seen, some UK universities require all research degree candidates to begin their studies as an MPhil student. If the student shows good progress during the first year, then they are generally give full PhD status.

I only plan to be in the MPhil program as long as I have to. But that point is somewhat far away at the moment.

 

Good luck in your project!!

Could you keep us posted on your progress, your experience with the university, the level of support, etc? I think many of us are interested in some way or the other in Lampeter, including myself.

Could you tell us about the required residencies (frequency, duration, etc?

All the best,


Joi

I briefly considered their MA in Business Ethics, and exchanged communication with that program's director. He told me that their campus is really beautiful. So, when you visit it, enjoy it!!!!

 

James, I also would like to wish good luck in the admission process. I am myself interested in the MA in European Philosophy, just for my own interest, but I have been a father recently of two twins, and I doubt I´ll have the time/money/energy to complete what seems to be a demanding rigurous program. I wish you the best, and keep us posted, please. I always enjoy reading your thoughtful posts and I feel curious to know your impression about these studies. Greetings.

 

I am interested in the PhD programme in Philosophy offered by The University of Wales, Lampeter. I wonder if anyone is currently / has had enrolled in the department and is willing to share the experience with me?

Your input is highly appreciated, thanks.

 

I was in a meeting the other day where my arguments for a certain position were based upon Rousseau's philosophy of social contract. I was using his framework for analysis of the problem.

I have only just started reading philosophy and I am finding it extremely relevant to management and decision-making. I think there is some resistance from "science" quarters about its relevance. This is interesting since scientific method itself is a philosophy, just not the only one.

While I am very much a novice, I can see its importance in working through issues in uncertainty. Science can only take us so far and in the social sense is usually out of date or extremely uncertain. I think you can only ever make a defensible case. Who can control all the variables, even predict them, in the social environment?

I intend to pursue this area in studies in the future for my personal development as a decision-maker, even if only in my own life. I probably won't go to the heights of a PHD or MPhil, maybe a certificate perhaps.

I wish you well and I am sure you will get more than a small return on your investment!

 

James,

I wonder if you have any "insider information" on the modules that are going to be available in Lampeter's MA program in the future. There is a notification at their website, that additional modules are forthcoming, but no further details are given.

My problem with the modules that are currently available is that while some of the modules look very interesting, there are areas such as Logic and Philosophy of Science that seem to be completely lacking. The emphasis seems to be more on the "soft" areas of philosophy, including such modules as "Environmental Philosophy" or "Meaning of Life".

I will hopefully get an accredited BA in Theology some time in the future, and after that I would very much like to study for a Master's degree in philosophy, and Lampeter would seem like a pretty good choice (and reasonably affordable for an EU citizen). But if Lampeter's selection of modules isn't going to be expanded to the directions that I'm hoping for, I would probably have to study some graduate level modules elsewhere and then try to transfer my credits to Lampeter's MA program.

 

If you have questions about the program, why don't you just email the department manager: Dr. James Luchte [email protected]. He's been great with me in terms of answering my many, many querries.

Plus, if there are no modules available to meet your needs, you may be able to do a "reading" module catered to your individual interests.